By Dr. Kaitlin Brown, SLPD, CCC-SLP

As a speech-language pathologist (SLP) and an avid podcast listener, I’ve always found joy in learning through storytelling. Podcasts have long been my go-to for inspiration, continuing education, and even a few much-needed laughs during a long commute or lunch break. But when it came to AAC—Augmentative and Alternative Communication—I started to notice something missing.

Sure, there were podcasts out there touching on AAC from a clinical or research lens. And while those are valuable, I kept asking myself: Where are the voices from the trenches? Where are the raw, real-life stories from SLPs, teachers, paras, parents, and—most importantly—AAC users themselves? Where is the space for us to talk about the daily wins, the tough moments, the trial-and-error of implementation, and the joy that happens when communication clicks?

That question became the spark that lit the fire for "AAC: Real-Life Edition." It was then that I knew I had to share this with my boss, Vicki Clarke, and naturally she was ecstatic at the prospect and idea. After a planning meeting with a couple of us, we were ready!

Now, I will be the first to tell you, never in a million years did I see myself hosting a podcast, but after the prompt from one of my graduate students, “you should really do a podcast, Dr. Brown, you have the personality and the voice, it would be perfect!”, I knew I had to do it. This podcast was born out of both passion and purpose. I wanted to create a space that goes beyond theory—where real-world school experiences take center stage. This is the podcast I wished existed when I was searching for practical tips, relatable stories, and community-driven insights. Whether you’re figuring out how to introduce core words in a classroom, navigating team dynamics, or celebrating a student’s first independent request—these are the moments that shape our work and deserve to be shared.

"AAC: Real-Life Edition" brings together the voices that often don’t get amplified. Each episode features a blend of perspectives: SLPs, classroom teachers, paraprofessionals, parents, and AAC users all sit at the same virtual table. Together, we talk about what works, what doesn’t, and all the messy, beautiful learning in between. There are challenges. There are laughs. There are “aha!” moments. And there are takeaways you can bring back to your students and your team the very next day.

Community is at the heart of this project. One of the things I love most about podcasts is their ability to connect people across time zones and job titles. With “AAC: Real-Life Edition,” my goal is to cultivate a space where you feel like you’re among colleagues—whether you’re tuning in during a prep period, a car ride, or while folding laundry.

So if you’ve ever wished you could hear what others are really doing with AAC in their schools… this podcast is for you. If you’ve ever felt isolated in your implementation journey or overwhelmed by where to start… this podcast is for you. If you’ve ever laughed through a failed activity and found a better way the next day… you guessed it—this podcast is for you.

This is AAC. Not just in theory. Not just in textbooks.
This is AAC: Real-Life Edition.

Let’s connect, learn, and grow—one story at a time.